Question

Which of the following statements best describes Benito Mussolini’s rise to power in Italy?

a. Mussolini came to power in a military coup. b. Mussolini came to power in a peaceful election, which he won thanks to his program for reform. c. Mussolini came to power in an election, but voters were intimidated by the considerable violence that his followers demonstrated. d. Mussolini seized power as the leader of a peasant rebellion.

Answer 1

Benito Mussolini rose to power in Italy through political manipulation, violence, and intimidation. He won a majority in parliament in 1924 and became the dictator of Italy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Benito Mussolini rose to power in Italy through a combination of political manipulation, violence, and intimidation. He mobilized his supporters, known as the Blackshirts, to suppress opposition and create an atmosphere of fear. In 1924, his Fascist Party won a majority in parliament, and Mussolini became the head of Italy. He then outlawed future elections and consolidated his power as the dictator of Italy.

Answer 2

Benito Mussolini came to power in Italy through electoral success aided by violence and fear tactics by his supporters. He was appointed prime minister by the king to prevent civil war and subsequently created a fascist dictatorship by suppressing opposition and controlling political power.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes Benito Mussolini's rise to power in Italy is 'c. Mussolini came to power in an election, but voters were intimidated by the considerable violence that his followers demonstrated.'

Mussolini's rise involved strategically using fear and intimidation. He denounced the Treaty of Versailles and capitalized on Italy's discontent post-World War I. His party, the National Fascist Party, supported by the Blackshirts, engaged in violent tactics against opponents.

In 1922, during yet another government crisis, his march on Rome prompted the weak-willed King Victor Emmanuel III to appoint Mussolini as prime minister. After obtaining this position, Mussolini and the Fascists manipulated parliament, suppressed opposition, and created a police state, leading to a fascist dictatorship.